Rivers Make History as Milo Basketball Championship Reaches Semi-Finals

Posted : 01 July 2026

King Amakree Academy of Obuama, Degema, Rivers State, made history by securing a first-ever semi-final berth at the 26th Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships as the national finals entered the knockout stage.

The Rivers side defeated Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, FCT, 52-47 in one of the day's quarter-final clashes to seal their place among the competition's final four.

Davidhall International College, Ikoyi, Lagos, also continued their impressive campaign, edging Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta, 51-47 before overcoming Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, 61-53 to book a semi-final ticket.

Urhobo College recovered from their earlier setback by defeating Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, 55-47 to progress to the last four.

Former champions Father O'Connell Science College, Minna, Niger State, reaffirmed their title credentials with victories over King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, 57-48, and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, FCT, 38-34.

The championship, which began on Saturday, features six boys' teams and six girls' teams competing for national honours in one of Nigeria's most prestigious secondary school basketball competitions.

Speaking after the matches, coaches commended Nestlé Milo for its sustained investment in grassroots basketball and youth development across the country.

FCT coach Tunde Ojedije described the tournament as highly competitive, saying the championship continues to inspire young players to perform at their highest level.

"The level of competition is high, and players believe Nestlé Milo Basketball brings out their best," Ojedije said, while urging more corporate organisations to support grassroots sports development.

Despite his team's elimination, Katsina coach Bashir Muktar expressed pride in his players, noting that reaching the national finals for the first time was a significant achievement.

"Although we did not progress, I am grateful for the players' performance and commitment," he said, adding that the experience would motivate the team to return stronger next year.

Urhobo College coach Kenny Edogun also hailed the quality of the tournament, saying the participation of top schools from across the country reflects the steady growth of secondary school basketball in Nigeria.

"The boys played hard to reach this stage, and reaching the podium would be wonderful," Edogun said.

As the championship heads into the semi-finals, the remaining teams will be aiming to maintain their momentum and move one step closer to claiming the coveted national title. The competition continues to showcase the depth of basketball talent in Nigerian secondary schools while highlighting the importance of sustained grassroots development.

Rivers Make History as Milo Basketball Championship Reaches Semi-Finals

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